How long does it take to register to ISO 9000?

The time it takes to get ISO 9001 registered are varies. But it is talkingmonths here, not weeks. For one thing, you have to keep running yourbusiness. You cannot simply shut down while getting registered.The entire process can be broken down into the following generalphases:a. Implementing the ISO 9000 system.b. Operating it for the minimum time. (A minimum of three, andpreferably six, months before registration audit.)c. Selecting a registrar. This can be done during the registrationprocess, to save time.d. Interval between application and registration audit. This dependson the registrar’s backlog.
The time it takes to implement the ISO 9000 system depends in largepart on where you are when you start. If you already have any of thefollowing, implementation time should be relatively short:a. A documented quality system of any kind that is active, meaningful,but not necessarily compliant with any particular standard.b. Resources temporarily dedicated solely to implementing the system.c. The guidance of a good consultant
If you are starting from square one, implementation can take a longtime. (Unless you can shut down operations while implementing—butwho can do that?) Here are some other factors that can extend thetime it takes:a. Multiple locations.b. Head count.c. Whether or not you are design responsible.d. Corporate turmoil.e. Lack of ongoing, consistent, persistent top management commitment.This exhibits itself in a host of symptoms, including lack ofsufficient resources, other issues taking priority, vacillation, failureto pay attention, failure to learn and understand, and failureto lead.All that being said, experience has shown the following:a. On average, the shortest interval for the entire process—fromlaunch through registration audit—seems to be around 6 to 9months.b. At the other extreme, it’s been known to take 18 to 24 to 36months, even with significant resources and full managementcommitment.On average, for the typical organization (whatever that is), you arelooking at 10 to 18 months to get the job done.